Whiteville Alderman Appoint Philip Forbes to Fill Vacancy

During its April meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, the Town of Whiteville voted to add Philip ‘Phil’ Forbes as a new alderman. Mr. Forbes will fill the seat left vacant by alderman Deborah Burkeen, who passed away in January 2025.

Mr. Forbes and his wife, Robin, moved to Whiteville about three years ago. The move was the beginning of retirement, and they have enjoyed living in Whiteville for almost three years.

“We did not know what we were doing other than we were moving back to Tennessee. We really enjoy living here,” said Mr. Forbes, who is looking forward to serving the citizens of Whiteville. “Serving as an alderman will be one way for me to contribute.”

Mr. Forbes and his wife, who have a base of Memphis and Raleigh, have five kids. He has 22 years of experience in the computer business and about 15 years in construction selling generators. They lived in Louisiana for 12 years before moving to Whiteville.

“I would like to try to help downtown development to make it a destination for people to come to. I would love to see a coffee shop, a sandwich shop,” said Mr. Forbes, who sees the potential of Whiteville. “A lot of small towns, if you look around, are having a bit of a comeback on main streets. There is a certain charm about small towns, which we have, and we just need to kick it up a notch.”

Mr. Forbes will serve the remainder of Ms. Burkeen’s term, until the next City of Whiteville Alderman Election in August 2026, at which time he may choose to run for the position.

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